Board members attending: Bryan Chester, Gail Morriss, Charles Johanson, Tom Daniel, Susan Pascoe, Candace Volz, Matthew Wheeler, Pat Tate, Drew Miller, Elizabeth Cash
Board members absent: Charles Heimsath, Greg Hybl
Honorary directors present: None
Visitors present: None
The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:30am and adjourned at approximately 9:00am. A quorum was present.
Agenda Item #1: Insurance
After discussion and a presentation by Tom, the board voted with one abstention to acquire directors and officers insurance and general liability insurance. Insurance is required before we can hire off-duty Austin Police officers for the security patrol. In addition, it was felt to be prudent in light of the ongoing triangles improvement project.
Agenda Item #2: Neighborhood security
Greg is making progress hiring a security patrol for the neighborhood. He has become the “security chief” for the neighborhood association and will serve as the primary liaison with the patrol and with concerned neighbors. It was felt that personal responsibility (locking up valuables, keeping outdoor lights on after dark, etc.) is an important component of discouraging thefts and criminal mischief and reminders about this could be helpful. The issue of starting a formal neighborhood watch program was raised, however, no board member feels able to take this on at this time.
Post meeting update: Security patrol of the neighborhood began on December 4th.
Agenda Item #3: Communications
The board decided to respond to questions from neighbors asking what the board has been working on and how dues are spent. The January newsletter will be devoted largely to detailing PHNA activities during 2007.
The list serve has been a success to date. Matthew is managing this list serve. A concern was expressed that some neighbors may not know that the list serve e-mail address reaches every neighbor who has provided an e-mail address and agreed to join the list serve.
The website is functioning well. Charles J. and Elizabeth will take on the responsibility of posting items to the News webpage. A meeting with Ross Brandon (website designer) will be scheduled for training.
Agenda Item #4: Picnic debriefing
Based on feedback from neighbors who attended, it was felt that the picnic was a success. Susan will calculate the number of attendees. Goals for next year include: fewer leftovers, recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans, reusing the signs, creating a list of jobs for the picnic, and creating a budget ahead of time.
Agenda Item #5: Holiday carriage ride event
Gail is heading this effort once again. This year the rides will start on Wathen. Homemade cookies and hot cider will be served. Candace will provide an urn for the cider. The event is sold out.
Agenda Item #6: Traffic calming meeting
It was briefly discussed that Pemberton has been selected by the City for traffic calming to start now and be completed by next summer. It was agreed to spread the word (via the list serve and the News webpage) about the first meeting for this purpose called by the City. This meeting will take place December 11th.
Agenda Item #7: Triangle update
Although the Gaston triangle is now funded, this triangle is on hold due to potential changes associated with the traffic calming project. There is the possibility of a new triangle at Claire x Wooldridge. Historically, there was a triangle there. The Jarratt triangle is on hold due to the waste water improvements project currently ongoing, which are near this triangle. The idea was raised to put the name “Pemberton Heights” on the low stone wall that sweeps around the Windsor triangle, and to possibly light this. This is an “extra” that would need funding and a push through the City process. No board member felt able to pursue this project at this time.
**The next meeting is Wednesday, January 23rd at 7:30 am.
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